Miami OH at Kentucky 9/3/22 - College Football Picks & Predictions

The Miami Ohio RedHawks come into the 2022 season after a mediocre 7-6 year in 2021. Miami Ohio finished in the top of the rankings offensively a year ago averaging over 420 yards and 30 points per game. Quarterback Brett Gabbert was a stud a year ago with 26 touchdowns on the year. Gabbert will be back under center this season for Miami Ohio as he will take the team as far as they go, while backup AJ Meijer would have seen some action after a good season a year ago but has left the team for the transfer portal. 

Mac Hippenhammer is expected to be the man for the Miami Ohio receivers as the biggest threat for the long ball, while tight end Jack Coldiron will serve as a safety blanket and an elite blocker all year. To go along with a great passing game Miami Ohio has a host of elite running backs that combined for more than 1400 yards and 12 scores in 2021.

The defensive side of the ball will be the biggest issue this season for Miami Ohio as several of their leaders from a year ago are no longer with the team. Miami Ohio will rely on a stout group of defensive linemen to disrupt opposing offenses and carry the load this season.

The Kentucky Wildcats come into the 2022 season off a 10 win year in 2021. Offensively Kentucky averaged more than 30 points per game a year ago finishing eighth in the SEC due to their inability to protect the football. Kentucky has nearly half their starters back from a year ago and a new offensive coordinator looking to revamp the offense.

Will Levis is now in Lexington and will be leaned on to take Kentucky to the next level. A season ago Levis threw for more than 2800 yards and 24 touchdowns, while being an elite rushing threat from the quarterback position. Chris Rodriguez will be the biggest weapon again this season for the Kentucky offense after a season that saw him go for more than 1300 yards in 2021.

Defensively Kentucky was mediocre a year ago but will be in a full blown rebuild this season as the core of their defense is now gone. Kentucky will look to an elite pass rusher up front and JJ Weaver who led the Wildcats in sacks a year ago. With their key players wreaking havoc up front the Wildcats have the depth and talent to cover the field with their secondary.